It’s official – Lucy and Ben tied the knot in a gorgeous, spring Dover Hall wedding! They, like everyone else who was planning a 2020 wedding, were impacted by Covid. Their original wedding was scheduled for September 2020, but they eventually landed on postponing until May 2021. And let me tell you – the weather totally cooperated and we had a perfect day! Obviously, minus the ridiculous amounts of pollen.
Anyways, we actually started the weekend at their rehearsal and following dinner at Lola’s Farmhouse right down the road from Dover Hall. It was a perfect al fresco rehearsal dinner, full of laughter, toasts, friends and family. They ended the night with a reception soiree at Dover Hall before going to sleep to get ready for the big day! Saturday started beautifully – plenty of time for hair and makeup to get everyone ready.
Lucy shared not one, not two but THREE first looks with her favorite people. She started with a dress reveal with her bridesmaids, then shared a touching first look with her dad. Finally, it was time to go get her groom! We met up with Ben on the outside of the house, right against the ivy wall. It was a stunning location for a first look. Lucy and Ben shared a private moment, and then we took tons of portraits! Lucy absolutely loved the blue room on the main floor of the estate, so we took some portraits there too. So fun! I love when we have time for indoor portraits on the wedding day.
After a good bit of Lucy-and-Ben portrait time, the wedding party met up with us for their time with the couple. We took portraits all around the house, but I especially love the ones that show the whole front of the property. You can’t beat that view! After a brief Hollins vs. Hampden-Sydney battle (the Hollins girls won), it was time to prep for the ceremony. The light was perfect and the vows were absolutely beautiful. Lucy and Ben even had a butterfly release to honor all the special people that were unable to be at the wedding!
After the ceremony, family portraits, and sunset portraits of just the two of them, Ben and Lucy joined cocktail hour. The couple had an oyster raw bar and signature cocktails named after their beloved pets. A rowdy reception ensued, full of fun dances, hilarious toasts, and a very (surprisingly?) tame cake cutting. The couple ended the night with a sparkler exit from the main steps of the estate.
Congrats again, Ben and Lucy! We loved celebrating with you and your favorite people for your Dover Hall wedding.
Special thank you to these vendors for making Lucy and Ben’s day so special!
Planning | Big Top Entertainment
Venue + Catering | Dover Hall Estate
Photography | Hannah Joy Photography
Videography | Riverdale 24 Productions
Florals | Williamsburg Floral
Officiant | Family Friend
Hair & Makeup | Lou Stevens
Invitation Suite | Angelwing Stationers
Cake + Desserts | Sweet Fix
Band | The Brasswind
Bride’s Dress | Miss Stella York